Surreal

Between summer and autumn, there is a must-see place in Japan that everyone must see. The Hitachi Seaside Park is often listed as one of the most surreal places to visit. Though seasonal flowers are being showcased throughout the year, mid-April to mid-May and end of September to mid-October are considered perfect time to visit. Nemophila or baby-blue eyes turns the park into a blue mountain in April / May and kochia bushes turn it to a blushing hill in October. It must be noted that Kochia or fire bushes are quite selfish as they turn green just after two weeks of being red.

My friend had planned it months ago since it was expected that the travel tours will be sold-out very quickly. We decided to join a photography group bus tour since it gave a longer “shooting” time to participants compared to regular bus tours. However, there was a big problem unforeseen. A super typhoon was coming to Japan exactly the same date of our trip. Should we cancel it or not? After lots of discussion, complaints included, we decided to give it a go. The bus was relatively unfilled and much to our surprise, the park was almost empty too. Because of its popularity, I never thought we will find it less crowded.

Aside from the kochia bushes, cosmos are also in full bloom as shown on the above photo but still it was the former that steal everyone’s attention. Surreal and overwhelming. It felt like being in a fantasy world but it’s not. You are in a REAL world. And once you realize it was real, you allow yourself to get lost in the labyrinth. No one was exempted, be it the photographers and or the sightseers.

souls seeking solace

surreal scarlet shelter

stranded spirits' songs

/totomai

For Poetry Pantry #225

Maybe because of excitement, some were confused and in panic mode on what to use in capturing the scenery – a mobile phone camera or a DSLR. As I mentioned earlier, the park was empty and it was very easy to appreciate its magnificence despite of the rain. Consider it as a case of sweet lemoning. No one cared for the rain.

No one seems interested in viewing the bushes closely as it is more appealing when viewed at some considerable distance. I was curious on how it looks like and since I was armed with macro lens, I took couple of shots of what’s inside the bushes and it’s another world. A visual haiku.

This was my second visit. Last May 2014, I was here with my friends too. No matter what flowers are being showcased, a single tree will try to get your attention and everyone called it as The Lonely Tree. I wonder if it is really lonely considering the blooms surrounding it?

  The Lonely Tree in May

The Lonely Tree in October

I think I might go back again this winter to check how lonely this tree will become when the field is filled with snow.

 /totomai 
2014/10/22